Psychology graduates wait for resolution
The National University of Ireland, Galway has apologised for failing to secure accreditation for the 12 clinical psychologists who recently finished its three-year doctorate programme.
“We have been keeping all of the students informed and up to date.
“At the moment we are still looking into the situation of accreditation.
“Of course we are extremely apologetic towards the students.
“The main thing is the university, the Psychology Society of Ireland and the Health Service Executive are all working together to sort out the problem.
“We are confident we will be able to get everything sorted in time for a springtime conferral ceremony,” a spokeswoman said.
Shortly before the class was due to graduate last week, it came to NUIG’s attention that the doctorate programme would not be recognised by the Psychology Society of Ireland.
The college has the power to award degrees but in the case of medical doctorates all programmes must be approved by the professional regulatory body, in this case the PSI.
The PSI has said its report into the Galway clinical psychology programme will remain confidential but its accreditation process is very thorough and it must be satisfied with every aspect of the course before it approves qualifications.
After completing more than 260 days of work experience as psychologists the students have been left in a very difficult situation, according to education officer at NUIG’s students’ union Peter Mannion.
“The students don’t know where they stand. It is very hard for them, especially those who had jobs lined up on the strength of getting accreditation.
“We have had meetings with the students and there have been meetings with the university but it has not been resolved.”
If the students were allowed to begin work as psychologists they would be qualified to help address chronic waiting lists for their services immediately.
Chief Executive of Irish Autism Action Kevin Whelan said at a time when there is a desperate need for trained psychologists, mix-ups such as this were not welcome.
“There is a real dearth of psychologists in Ireland. It is so bad that you have parents’ groups like ourselves who have set up our own centre to help deal with the backlog.
“It is a real problem because without a diagnosis you cannot access any services but there is a year-long waiting list to get a diagnosis.
“We are obviously disappointed to think there are potential psychologists there and who cannot benefit the system.”
The price of each student’s education was bourne by the HSE at a combined cost of €396,000.
It is involved in discussion with university and the PSI as efforts to resolve the situation continue.
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